Smart Core?Shell Nanostructures for Force, Humidity, and Temperature Multi?Stimuli Responsiveness

A force, humidity, and temperature-responsive electronic skin is presented by combining piezoelectric zinc oxide (ZnO) poly-N-vinylcaprolactam-co-di(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether hydrogel into core-shell nanostructures using state-of-the-art dry vapor-based techniques. The proposed concept realized with biocompatible materials in a simplified design that delivers multi-stimuli sensitivity high spatial resolution, all of which are prerequisites for an efficient skin. While the piezoelectricity ZnO provides to external thermoresponsiveness core surrounding temperature humidity changes. exerts mechanical stress onto shell, translated measurable signal. localized force 364 ± 66 pC N?1 achieved very low cross talk between 0.25 mm2 pixels. Additionally, sensor's demonstrated at 25 40 °C, i.e., above below hydrogel's lower critical solution (LCST) 34 °C. largest response obtained LCST. sensor significantly faster than system's intrinsic or excitation-induced time scale. Finally, touch breath demonstrates its applicability as e-skin real-life environment.